Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each year in the United States, more than 240,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease, according to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Breast cancer is most commonly associated with lumps in the breast tissue, although this is not always prevalent in breast cancer victims. Mammograms are the best way to detect these lumps early on, since it is said to be more efficient than self diagnosis. There are other symptoms that occur with the appearance of breast cancer as well, such as swelling in the armpit, breast pain, changes in texture, color and temperature of the breast and nipple, discharge from the nipple and marbling of the skin in the breast area. Once diagnosed, treatment is eminent. There are many different types of treatment that are used, depending on the type of breast cancer. Local treatments such as surgery for a mastectomy or lumpectomy aim to physically remove the cancer from the body. Radiation treatments are usually used in conjunction with these types of surgeries in order to make sure all the cancer is destroyed. Systemic treatments may also be used. These include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy. Usually both local and systemic therapies are used together. This ensures that any undetected cancer is killed. These treatments can be very harsh on the body, leaving the patient feeling nauseous, weak, fatigued, depressed and anxious. It can be very hard to function throughout the treatment process, since your body usually aches with pain, making physical activity almost impossible. Finding a treatment plan that will help reduce the painful side effects of breast cancer treatments may benefit people who are suffering from the disease, making their everyday life much more comfortable. Chiropractic care has been shown to help these patients. Since it is a non-invasive, drug-free form of care, it may be an ideal situation for people who have been riddled with harsh chemo and radiation therapy. Studies have shown that chiropractic therapy can help reduce headaches, back pain, neck pain and joint pain in women recovering from breast cancer treatments. Before starting any treatment plan, it is important to talk to your medical doctor first. Once your doctor has signed off on the treatment, than it is important to disclose your breast cancer to your chiropractic. That way they will be able to treat you to the best of their ability. Many chiropractic offices take insurance, however, if you are not insured, then most out of pocket pay is relatively cheap compared to other treatment options.